The Ultimate Family Guide to San Diego: A 7-Day Itinerary for Fun & Adventure

San Diego is a dream destination for families, offering everything from sun-soaked beaches to world-renowned attractions. During our recent visit, we experienced the perfect mix of excitement, relaxation, and family bonding. If you’re planning your own trip, follow our 7-day itinerary to make the most of your time in this beautiful coastal city.

One of the best decisions we made for our trip was getting the San Diego City Pass. It allowed us to see all of the major attractions at one price, saving us tons of money in the process! With the pass, we were able to visit everything from the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld to LEGOLAND and the USS Midway Museum without worrying about individual ticket prices adding up. It made the entire experience so much more convenient and affordable, and we felt like we truly got the most out of our San Diego adventure. Highly recommend it for anyone planning to explore the city’s top attractions!

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Coronado

After arriving in San Diego, we picked up our rental car and headed to the Fairfield Inn & Suites Old Town. This charming hotel sits in the heart of Old Town, making it an excellent base for exploring San Diego’s rich history and vibrant culture. With spacious rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and easy access to major attractions, it provided the comfort and convenience we needed for our family trip.

With some time to settle in at the hotel, we were ready to start exploring — with Coronado Island being first on our list. Despite the rainy weather, we didn’t let the drizzle dampen our spirits. We grabbed our umbrellas and embraced the moody coastal vibes. 

While the rain fell, we spent time inside exploring the historic Hotel del Coronado. We wandered through the elegant lobby, appreciating the hotel’s timeless charm. We also stopped at one of their casual restaurants for some snacks, where we enjoyed views of the ocean, creating a peaceful and cozy atmosphere while we waited for the rain to pass.

As the rain cleared, the beach brightened, and the sun peeked out from behind the clouds. The light cast a warm glow over the wet sand, providing a beautiful view of the Hotel del Coronado and the coastline. The boys were eager to emerge onto Coronado Beach, where they ran barefoot through the damp sand, eagerly searching for seashells and splashing their toes in the chilly Pacific waters.

From there, we walked into Coronado’s charming downtown area, browsing a handful of quaint shops filled with souvenirs, gifts, and treats. The boys were particularly happy to find a candy shop, where they indulged in a few sweet treats, as well as a stop at a shop where they each picked out a magnet to remember their time in Coronado. We’ve made it a tradition to collect a magnet from every new destination, so this was the perfect keepsake to mark the beginning of our San Diego adventure.

For dinner, we enjoyed fresh seafood at Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill, a waterfront gem with plenty of kid-friendly and gluten-free options. Despite being a chain, Bluewater offered an exceptional dining experience, with fresh, flavorful menu items. The atmosphere was perfect for young children while still offering an upscale dining experience for adults. The waterfront setting added to the charm, making it the ideal spot to enjoy a delicious meal and relax after a busy afternoon of exploring.

Day 2: USS Midway & Coastal Cuisine

To start our day, we were fortunate to have a private tour of Camp Pendleton, led by my cousin, whose husband is a Marine stationed on the base. We were driven through the vast valleys where practice air missions take place and had the incredible opportunity to see tanks and helicopters up close. The tour gave us a deeper understanding of military life and the scale of operations at Camp Pendleton. We even got to check out a quiet beach on base, where the boys loved running up and down the shore and walking out onto the jetty.

After our tour, we made a quick stop at Yard House in Carlsbad. It offered a variety of quick options to suit everyone’s tastes, making it the perfect place to catch up with family over a casual meal.

In the afternoon, we explored the USS Midway Museum. The museum is packed with interactive exhibits that allow visitors to step into the shoes of a sailor. The boys especially loved the Junior Pilot Program, where they embarked on a scavenger hunt around the ship, having to answer a series of questions correctly. They received kid-friendly headsets that guided them through the history of the ship in an engaging, fun way, learning about daily life aboard the ship, roles of different crew members, and the technology that makes naval aviation so incredible. At the end of the program, they earned their “wings”, a special moment and a trip highlight for both of them.

We spent hours exploring the many levels of the ship, walking through different rooms where sailors worked and lived. The kids enjoyed seeing the crew quarters and the flight deck, but their favorite part was definitely sitting in the cockpit of one of the planes and getting the chance to “fly” the aircraft. They had such a blast that, as we were leaving, they were already asking if we could come back later in the trip!

That evening, we were fortunate to snag a last-minute reservation at Bencotto, a highly sought-after Italian restaurant in Little Italy. Known for its handmade pasta dishes, securing a reservation here can be tricky, so we were thrilled when a no-show reservation opened up!

The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and the food exceeded expectations. Bencotto is famous for its Cheesewheel pasta, where piping-hot homemade pasta is tossed with freshly grated cheese from a hollowed-out cheese wheel—a technique that originated in Italy and makes for quite a showstopper. While we didn’t order it ourselves, we had the pleasure of watching the process as a nearby table enjoyed it. We opted for other delicious dishes, including gluten-free options for me and pizza that the boys devoured. We left feeling full, satisfied, and eager to continue our San Diego adventure the next day.

Day 3: A Day at Legoland

We started the day bright and early, heading to Legoland California with the goal of arriving shortly before the park opened to beat some of the crowds. As soon as we drove up, the boys’ excitement skyrocketed, with towering themed hotels setting the stage and making us feel immediately immersed in the experience. Walking up to the gates only heightened their anticipation, as they were greeted by life-size Lego replicas of animals, action figures, knights, and more. The boys couldn’t wait to get inside and dive into all the fun.

At Legoland, we explored the various themed areas, from miniature cities made entirely of Legos to thrilling rides designed for all ages. Our 7-year-old was especially excited about the more adventurous coaster rides, like the Dragon Coaster, where he loved the mix of twists, turns, and surprises, and the Coastersaurus, a wooden roller coaster that had him laughing and cheering the whole way through. While our 6-year-old wasn’t quite as thrilled with the coasters, he still enjoyed some of them and loved other rides such as The Lost Kingdom Adventure, where we all got to hunt for hidden treasures, and the Lego Ninjago Ride, where he had a blast using his “spinjitzu” skills to battle enemies.

To make the most of our time exploring the park, we opted for a quick lunch, and we couldn’t resist trying the famous Granny’s Apple Fries, which were both gluten-free and absolutely delicious! We devoured them and even went back for seconds!

After a fun-filled day at Legoland, we made our way to Karl Strauss Brewing, a convenient and laid-back spot for dinner. The restaurant served up tasty pub-style food, making it the ideal place to relax and recount the highlights of our park adventure. The casual atmosphere was perfect for two tired and overstimulated boys who were winding down from a busy day. Even with a little meltdown along the way, the staff and fellow diners didn’t seem to mind—definitely a win in our book!

Day 4: Safari Adventure & Coastal Views

To start our day, we made our way to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which is known for its expansive, naturalistic habitats for animals from around the world. As soon as we arrived, we were in awe of the sheer size of the park and the variety of wildlife. The boys loved the open safari-style setting, where they could get up close to animals like giraffes, rhinos, and zebras.

We began our visit with the Africa Tram Safari, a guided tour that took us deep into the African savanna area, where we spotted some of the park’s largest animals, including giraffes and rhinos. It was thrilling for all of us to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures in a habitat much more inviting than a typical zoo enclosure.

While at the safari park we took the opportunity to explore all of the trails, with Tiger Trail, Elephant Valley, Lion Camp, and Walkabout Australia being some of our family favorites. Along the way we stopped for a quick bite at one of the park cafes. 

In the afternoon, we headed to La Jolla, a spot that we knew would be the highlight of the trip for our sea lion loving 7-year-old. We spent hours at La Jolla Cove, watching the sea lions bask in the sun and play in the water, while the boys tried their best to communicate with them using their best sea lion impressions. As an added bonus, we also spotted a pod of dolphins playfully swimming near the shore, leaping in and out of the water in a spectacular display.

For dinner, we made our way to Duke’s La Jolla, a lively spot known for its Hawaiian-inspired dishes and oceanfront views. We snagged a rooftop table with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean — the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of adventure. The boys (including the older one!) were particularly excited about the dessert — the Hula Pie, a towering multi-layer chocolate cake so big it practically dwarfed their heads! With our bellies full of delicious food and sugar, we wrapped up the night, ready to rest for another exciting day ahead.

Day 5: SeaWorld & Old Town Charm

We started the day bright and early with a visit to SeaWorld San Diego, where excitement filled the air as we entered the park. The boys were eager to see the incredible marine life exhibits, and they couldn’t wait to see the dolphins, whales, and sea lions. The park offers a great mix of thrilling rides and animal encounters, making it the perfect family-friendly spot.

We decided to split up for the Animal Encounters experience. Our sea lion-loving 7-year-old was absolutely thrilled to do a special encounter with Jay the Sea Lion. Jay got his name because he was frequently found in the middle of the streets in La Jolla, earning him the nickname “Jay-walker.” Our son had the chance to feed Jay, touch him, and even work with him to perform tricks. It was such a special moment for him to connect with one of his favorite animals.

Meanwhile, our 5-year-old had the incredible opportunity to meet his favorite animal for the first time — not just one, but three beluga whales! To say this experience was the highlight of his life would be an understatement. For years, we’ve been singing Baby Beluga as part of his nightly routine, and he never goes anywhere without his beluga stuffed animal. The chance to interact with these majestic creatures was beyond special. He got to touch them, make them perform tricks, and spend time up close and personal. It was a moment neither of us will ever forget, and even now, over a year later, he still talks about it nonstop.

After the encounters, we caught a few more animal shows, including the incredible orca show, which left everyone in awe. The power and grace of these magnificent creatures are truly mind-blowing.

We then proceeded to explore the thrills of the park and hopped on the rides. Our oldest, of course, loved the coasters, especially Manta, the exhilarating flying coaster, and Journey to Atlantis, the exciting water roller coaster with steep drops and splash zones. We also made sure to ride Shipwreck Rapids, the log-flume-style adventure, where we floated through a winding river and braved a few thrilling drops—getting splashed (okay, soaked!) in the process. Wild Arctic was another family favorite, a motion-simulator ride that gave us the sensation of flying over the icy landscape.

After a fun-filled day at SeaWorld, we headed back to Old Town San Diego, right down the street from our hotel, for a delicious dinner at Barra Barra Saloon. With authentic Mexican flavors and an inviting atmosphere, it was the perfect place to unwind.

Day 6: Zoo Adventures & Retro Dining Fun

No trip to the city is complete without a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Arriving early, we were not only able to beat some of the crowds, but also were able to see the animals come to life in the cooler morning hours. We began our visit at Africa Rocks, where we were captivated by the majestic leopards, lounging in the trees and roaming their rocky, forested enclosure. From there, we wandered over to Asian Passage, where we marveled at the magnificent tigers, including some adorable cubs, and got to see the zoo’s famed sloth bears.

Next, we ventured into the Australian Outback, where the koalas were a hit with everyone. The Gorilla Tropics area was another favorite, where we observed the zoo’s gorilla family interacting in their lush, tropical environment. We also spent time at Polar Bear Plunge, watching the polar bears splash and play in the water. And Treetops Way offered a unique perspective from above, where we spotted orangutans swinging through the trees, showing off their incredible agility.

By noon, we were ready for a break and grabbed lunch at one of the zoo cafes, offering a variety of family-friendly options to refuel for the afternoon. After lunch, we headed over to Elephant Odyssey to see the zoo’s impressive elephants. Continuing on our journey, the Monkey Trails and Forest Tales exhibit provided an engaging experience with its array of primates, including orangutans and gibbons. And to round out our zoo day we made a quick stop at the Northern Frontier exhibit to catch a glimpse of the famed Red Pandas.

By late-afternoon, we were all feeling a little worn out from all the walking and exploring. We decided to wrap up our zoo visit and head to Corvette Diner, a fun, retro-style spot perfect for our tired, hungry crew. The diner’s 50s-themed atmosphere, complete with lively music, dancing servers, arcade games, and neon lights made for an exciting change of pace. We indulged in classic diner fare, with the boys especially loving the milkshakes. It was a fun, relaxing end to a day filled with adventure and wildlife.

Day 7: Belmont Park & Beachside Dining

Our last full day started off quite rainy, so we opted for a lazy morning at the hotel and used the time to pack ahead of our journey home the next day.

As I mentioned earlier in the trip, our boys had begged for more time at the USS Midway Museum, so with the rain pouring down, we thought, why not explore the inside of a ship? It seemed like the perfect indoor activity, so we headed over to the USS Midway for a couple of additional hours of mid-morning fun and exploration.

For lunch, we made our way to Seaport Village, a charming waterfront destination filled with shops and eateries. We chose to eat at Edgewater Grill, where we were seated at a window-front table offering breathtaking views of the harbor. During our meal, a sudden storm rolled in, bringing heavy rain and fierce winds. We watched as boats struggled to make their way back to safety, including a sailboat that came dangerously close to capsizing right before our eyes! It was quite the experience, adding an unexpected thrill to our visit.

With the rain clearing by early afternoon, we made our way to Mission Beach to experience Belmont Park, a historic beachfront amusement park buzzing with energy and excitement. 

Our oldest was eager to head straight to the thrills, hopping onto the rollercoaster and trying his very first zip-line (which he absolutely loved!), while our youngest gravitated toward some classic carnival games instead. Together, we all braved the Sky Ropes Course — a thrilling challenge, even for mom and dad, who are not exactly fans of heights — but we pushed past our nerves and conquered it!

Other favorites included the Laser Maze, where the boys darted and twisted through glowing beams to complete the challenge, and Mic Drop, a free-fall experience that provided quite the adrenaline rush. The Speedway ride had our boys zipping around a track pretending to be race car drivers, while Krazy Kars provided a fun spin on bumper cars, with added chaos from the unpredictable movement. The rock wall was another standout, where both boys impressed us with how high they managed to climb, showing off their determination and bravery. 

After fulfilling our craving for thrills, we decided to wind down with a more relaxed evening, exploring Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. The boys, full of energy, couldn’t resist the call of the sand and dashed down the beach, their laughter echoing as they searched for seashells, raced to outrun the waves, and playfully dodged the water’s edge, their faces lit with the pure joy of childhood.

After watching the sun set over the ocean, we made our way to Miss B’s Coconut Club for dinner, a lively local gem that drew us in with its vibrant atmosphere and relaxed vibe. The colorful decor and island-inspired menu introduced a fresh twist to our vacation dining, allowing us to savor delicious Caribbean dishes. From flavorful jerk chicken to refreshing cocktails, we indulged in tasty bites while the boys enjoyed their own kid-friendly meals. It was the perfect way to cap off a day of beachside fun.

Day 8: Old Town & Departure

On our final morning in San Diego, we decided to make the most of our limited time by exploring the historic charm of Old Town. Known as the birthplace of California, this area is a perfect blend of history, culture, and delicious food — an ideal way to wrap up our San Diego adventure.

We spent the morning wandering through the colorful streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and stopping by the quaint shops. The boys couldn’t resist the temptation of the taffy shop, where they eagerly picked out their favorite flavors and had a blast sampling the sweet treats. Of course mom had to get in on that action too!

After our taffy stop, we made our way to Café Coyote for a farewell meal. The lively restaurant offered a warm, welcoming vibe, and the outdoor patio provided the perfect setting to enjoy a sunny San Diego day.

With full bellies and hearts, we said our goodbyes to Old Town and headed to the airport for our flight home. It was a short but sweet end to a fantastic trip.

Wrapping Up Our San Diego Adventure: A Trip to Remember

San Diego’s mix of beaches, culture, and family-friendly attractions made our week unforgettable. Whether your kids are animal lovers, LEGO builders, or thrill seekers, this vibrant city offers something for everyone.

San Diego, we’ll be back someday!

Have you explored San Diego with your family? Share your favorite moments in the comments below!